Justice Peter Akhihiero of the Edo State High Court in Benin City has ruled in favor of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, granting his request to include the Benin Traditional Council as a defendant in an ongoing legal dispute.
The suit, which involves the Oba and suspended Enigie (Dukes) in the Benin kingdom, saw the judge’s decision at the resumed hearing on Thursday.
The suspended Enigie who brought the Oba to court include Professor Gregory Akenzua, Enigie of Evbuobanosa, and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen of Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Benin Kingdom, among others. They are challenging their suspension by the Oba of Benin, arguing that only the state governor has the authority to remove them from their positions.
In his ruling, Justice Akhihiero granted the Oba’s request to add the Benin Traditional Council as the 3rd defendant in the suit marked B/250os/2023. This decision expands the list of defendants to include Oba Ewuare II and the Edo State Government as the 1st and 2nd defendants, respectively.
Addressing concerns about timing, Justice Akhihiero emphasized the importance of due process, stating, “The race is not for the swift, or the battle for the strong.” He encouraged the defendants’ counsel not to worry about the inclusion of the Traditional Council, expressing openness to all parties involved.
The judge adjourned the case to July 15, 2024, allowing for the Traditional Council to file their processes and ensuring fair proceedings in the legal dispute between the Oba and the suspended Enigie.
